Excellent show! Erin, you are a brave and strong woman! Your fight against hate crimes is so courageous and important for us all. Wishing you all the very best for your quest!
I don´t understand the discussion about the authenticity of this incident. Even if it were not authentic, there are so many hate crimes that are… The impressive and great thing is her taking action (and the risk) and travelling across the country to invoke discussion and awareness.

Good Luck Tomorrow morning! How can we find out as soon as they announce that you are the winners of the GLBT award?

Erin is a brave woman to do this. Going cross country exposing the truth that hate crimes happen everywhere. Even the most tolerant of places have idiots living there. Someone vandalized our house when I was a teenager. They smeared mud on our house spelling out, “ Sucks Dicks.” I was so humiliated. I was the first one who saw it and washed it off before my parents or sister ever found out. I also have never told anyone about it until today. I see now how important it is not to hide from this. Do not let them win. This is what gay pride really means!

Great show today guys/gal!

Erin’s got balls and ain’t afraid to show ‘em!

Proud of ya girl!

If you can pick five minutes from this episode to showcase on a radio program, which five minutes would you pick? Please indicate the time into the show. THANKS!

I just think it’s silly that the dude was upset about Erin’s supposed defaming of the Albany graffiti scene. Talk about trying to reframe a conversation… that’s a classic attempt to quite this loud voice by trying to frame it in a light that makes her efforts seem silly. If he doesn’t agree with her message, he should simply say that he doesn’t like her pro-gay agenda, not try to jab at her with meaningless and ultimately empty arguments.

You go honey! Share your story and keep demonstrating that we still have work to do. This was a great show and I hope to one day see you back on the FOF to give us some updates!

Sure, no problem, Marc. The link provided in the above blog entry — this one: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=70154831&blogID=294472305 — provides a lot of insight from various people in the Albany area. In addition, my 2 pennies worth: Why boycott fagbug? *In theory*, I think that the idea of traveling across the country, opening up dialogue about hate crime is a good thing. I know hate crimes still occur, and I know that lots of people don’t want to admit that and/or look the other way; however I don’t see fagbug as being so much about hate crimes as being about a platform from which Erin can launch some kind of career (as documentary film maker, public speaker, reality TV show “star”, etc.) and profit-making scheme.

I was initially impressed by Erin’s willingness to go public and get active with this, but as I’ve followed closely this whole fagbug idea, what I’ve seen is not so much an act of bravery as someone who is thrilled with the spotlight, who sees herself more as a celebrity than an activist (this I get from her blog).

And speaking of her blog — it is not so much political commentary, which would really focus on fagbug/hate crime awareness as it is about every private detail of Erin’s life, relationship, quest for a TV deal, and so on.

I also think there comes a point in many communities/minority groups when the funds and efforts get so divided up that they become ineffective. I feel the kind of money Erin plans on making (eventually) could go to resources both local and national. Her financial goals seem lucrative: $3/sticker and she wants to sell a million stickers? That is quite a profit, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere but in Erin’s pocket. I get that it takes money to make art and raise awareness, and I get that right now Erin is struggling, but I just see this “campaign” as having its sights set on something beyond art and activism.

In addition to the questionable financial aspects of fagbug/Erin, is the question about the effectiveness (or not) of this “campaign.” Is fagbug really fighting hate crimes? Is it actively working to affect legislation? Is it offering support to other forms of hate crimes (those based on race, gender, diability, class, etc.)? Is it even acknowledging the diversity of hate crimes that take place?

I know I am not alone in the Albany area in questioning Erin’s true intentions. This, however, is my take.

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As for all of those people who think that those of us who don’t support fagbug/erin are insanely jealous and wickedly hateful, I can’t speak for the others, but I will say that I will be the first to admit that I wouldn’t want to put my ass on the line and drive across the country in a car that has the word fag sprayed on it. I am fully aware of the fact that Erin is putting a lot of time and energy into this trip. If this alleged act of activism were being done by somebody whom I truly saw as an activist, rather than by somebody as scarily narcissistic and self-involved as Erin, then kudos to that person. Unfortunately, I can’t see Erin as a strong representative of these issues, and that has a lot less to do with jealousy and a lot more to do with her unfocused and questionable approach to this “campaign.”

In response to ihrtVTmtns, I see where you are coming from, but I think even you might be a bit harsh in your more moderate reaction. Doesn’t everyone have the right to try to earn a living and become successful in their chosen trade? And if that method spreads a message of tolerance at a grass-roots level at the same time, what’s wrong with that? Is that any worse than if she had repainted her car and done like so many other artists, creating a bunch of self-involved art that is being sold in so many galleries for pure profit? Would you fault Marc and Fausto for trying to turn a profit off of Feast of Fools? Would you fault the professionals who take a pay check from HRC, NGLTF or Lambda Legal? Would you fault Cindy Sheehan for becoming a celebrity because of the death of her son? Are people’s efforts only to be respected if they martyr themselves in the process? If everyone attempted to turn a profit off spreading the message of tolerace, would the net effect be so bad?

If the outcome is net positive, then what’s the harm? Maybe we should be asking ourselves what we have done to try to change the world, instead of scrutinizing others’ efforts?

So Vermont Mountain lover- activists should not seek out personal gain from their desire to change the world? That’s a messed up idea.

The ONLY reason you hate Erin is because she wants to make a documentary and not crucify herself financially? When have you or any of the people who are organizing against Erin ever put yourselves out there at financial, physical harm or risk for your rights? You don’t even have the guts to tie your name to your opinion on this, instead you hide behind a fake name and profile on MySpace, while Erin stands out there in front of the world protected only by her faith and trust in humanity. I don’t blame you, I do the same thing. I’m in the closet about a lot of things just like you.

Are you this critical about all other lesbian endeavors or are you just bashing your peer because she’s actually ACTING on her activism, doing something? Are you this critical on our current Presidential Administration? Did you start a Stop President Bush MySpace page? I doubt it.

The idea that people who want to create social change should sacrifice themselves comes from our dysfunctional puritanical heritage and needs to stop. We don’t need any more martyrs.

The fact that Rosa Parks died in poverty, a national hero, is a tragedy and shows how far we have to go as a society of embracing the people who drive us forward as a society.

I hope Erin becomes a millionaire from selling her stickers. IF she does, it would motivate many people to stand up and speak their voices against the real injustices in our world. If you think your money would be better spent on other causes, then spend it there. How many CEO’s of advocacy groups, political organizations and lobbies make more than six figures and spend their days drinking champagne and working in air-conditioned offices? Yet you don’t see their jealous lesbian friends creating MySpaces to stop them.

Erin OWES over $5000 in her efforts. She’s not making any money out of this, so far, and is only working her but off for pennies.

I got this in an email. I formatted it in several paragraphs out of one large clunky paragraph to make it easier for you read. I hope I did a good job formatting it.

I was given the heads up about your podcast with Erin Davies by a friend of mine, who is also an acquaintance of Erin’s, as are all the other folks that Erin mentioned on your show as being against her. First of all, I was extremely surprised and very disappointed that mine was the only link in your write-up of the podcast. It gives the impression that I am the only one with objections to Erin’s ’cause.’ I would ask that you please post other links, or remove mine, as it gives the impression that I am alone in my objections. There are at least 5 or 6 other folks who have changed their MySpace name to support Erin’s ex girlfriend, who is mentioned repeatedly in Erin’s Fagbug blog, as well as to call for some intelligent, independent thinking.

Erin’s ex politely and kindly asked Erin to remove any mention of her from her blogs, but Erin refused, stating that it was all part of her experience, but what she fails to realize is that she’s violating her ex’s privacy and giving a very skewed impression of her, while making herself out to be the hero/victim of their relationship. This is biased and false and completely beside the point of Erin’s so-called cause, which so far has consisted exclusively of her traveling around the country in her vandalized vehicle and giving everyone a blow by blow account of her experience on her blog, often including completely irrelevant information that does not further her purported intention in any way.

In your podcast, you give the impression that all of us in Albany have created some kind of counter movement to Fagbug. We have not. We are simply asking that before blindly supporting Fagbug, people learn to think critically and examine her intent and actions carefully and objectively before jumping on the bandwagon simply because it is a ‘GLBTQ thing,’ so we HAVE to support it. Erin asked why would she possibly have done this to her own car. The answer is notoriety. Erin is a filmmaker and an artist; this is what she wants to do with her life; this occurrence has worked in her favor; she is simply furthering her career. This is why she has embarked on this ‘crusade.’

Though I cannot and will not say that Erin spray-painted her own car, I am not surprised that others may think so, and if it came to light that she actually did, I would not be surprised in the least. Please keep in mind that this opposition is coming from all LGBTQ folks, people in her own community, people that in some way or another, know her. We know the sorts of things she does not wish to advertise. Erin Davies is simply a filmmaker trying to further her career; nothing more, nothing less. If some good comes of her trip and campaign, I couldn’t be happier, but so far, I see no results besides experiences and footage exclusively for herself and her career. There is no call to action in her campaign, no constructive criticism of the deeply rooted and insidious patriarchal, sexist, racist, homophobic culture we live in or encouragement to contribute to other LGBTQ causes. In addition, Erin’s insinuation or implication that the individual who left her a note implying that she had vandalized her own car could indeed be the one who vandalized it, is unfounded and ridiculous.

I also found your comparisons of her situation to Matthew Shepard’s tragic and untimely death by murder to be completely objectionable and in very poor taste. I myself am gay, have a diversity sticker on my car, and am a very outspoken member of the community who is out and proud to absolutely everyone, and I would want nothing more than to support an authentic LGBTQ cause, but sadly, I cannot give my support to Erin Davies due to her insincere motivations and lack of constructive criticism or solid, substantial call to action.

First, even if all of Erin’s critic’s possible claims were true, and the vandalism is a fraud, it still exposes a truth within our society that is real; the reactions and internal conflicts people are forced to examine when confronted by this symbol are real; the lives she is touching, and personal connections she is making with victims are real. I think there is a great proportion of the activist art community that would still support her project as valid even if the original storyline were manufactured. If you think the storyline is manufactured, then just think of it as performance art.

Second, I have been posting on the indicated MySpace board as well, and my comments there are purely a product of reading the posts therein. There is plenty there to criticize without even getting into any possible faults on Erin’s part. I think if you are going to put yourself out there, create a blog, and call yourself “Boycot Fagbug”, you need to be prepared to defend your position without resorting to the defense of, “Well, I’m not the only one.”

Third, I didn’t get the feeling there was any sort of mass indictment on Albany or here ex in the podcast, and if your problem is Erin’s characterization, or mention, of her ex in her blog, then say that. They may be upset about the one thing, and trying to stand up for their frined, the ex, but it really seems like they are piling on in an unwarranted manner with all of the other stuff. If you don’t like the blog, don’t read the frigging blog.

Fourth, complaining about her writing in her blog how many fruit juices she drank? C’mon, just get over it! You know how much stupid, self-involved, pointless crap people put in their blogs, without including a shred of redeeming social value? Please! Some people who read blogs (I don’t read blogs) like that pointless crap because it humanizes the author. Poeple can sit there and say, “Oh, I drink too much fruit juice too!” What-ever.

Fifth, maybe Erin is not as articulate, judicious or focused as you might like, but even if any of these flaws do exist, I thought she was delightful, and inspired a lot of people to be just a bit more brave in their daily lives.

This has definitely hit a nerve in our community. There is so much hate not only from “straight” people but from our gay brothers and sisters as well. Sometimes it feels like the whole world is against us. Would it be too much to support each other?

Fausto, Marc, this was another groundbreaking show. Anyone who thinks the Feast of Fools is simply about silliness, jokes and wacky news needs to hear a show like this. You handled the subject with wonderful respect, and your interview with Erin was eye-opening, interesting and enjoyable, all at the same time.

HUGE applause to Erin for standing her ground and remaining true to herself. I wish more of us had the ability to do this, but like she said, most people would want to get it removed and fixed right away, for fear of embarrassment, shame or ridicule.

I think a lot of the negative feedback that Erin is receiving is truly because people feel threatened by a strong response to something like this. It brings out the true colors in some people’s belief systems when these things happen.

Erin, good luck with your journey, and I hope you make all the money you need to with your Fag Bug merchandise. Spread the word that this type of behavior is not tolerated– no matter WHERE it happens. That’s what people need to understand, and that’s exactly what you’re doing. I applaud you.

I agree with Mighty mouse and San Digego rick here I heart vermont— and What are you saying Erin is claiming to be that she’s not? I think Erin is being very clear with what she’s doing and where she is going with all this. What exactly do you not like about Erin? Take a stand! I see your arguments as wishy-washy and full of backhanded insults, not concrete points.

I appreciate you taking the time to comment here, but at the same time it deeply saddens me that you would spend so much time wanting her to “Stop the fagbug.” She is your lesbian sister and you should be wishing her well. I think you can support someone and still question their process, not their motives.

If you dont like HOW she’s raising awareness, then lets talk about that. But ask her to STOP? Why??? Why are you organizing a “Stop the Fagbug” MySpace page? (I’m assuming you are part of the anti-Erin camp)

Do you think she should have the opportunity to make money from this, just like Michael Moore and his films? Yes or no? Are you jealous of her success in getting people and the medias attention? Your ambiguity is just cowardice under the disguise of intellectual curiosity.

What is Erin lying about? What is her “falsehood?” You’re not saying anything concrete here. What would you like to see her do? Go into higher debt as a result of this project and donate the proceeds to some other charity other then her project? If you think FagBug is a bad charity, that is fine, but then you should also be trying to “Stop” all other charities you see as ineffective. All you care about is Erin.

ihrtVTmtns
I’m not sure why you think it is hard to believe that Erin is coming from a good place with this.

she is interested in a pay-off that includes launching a career.

We know Erin makes documentaries so can’t she launch a career and advocate tolerance at the same time? Do you feel that she is is being dishonest about how much money she has collected?

I don’t claim to be someone or something that I am not.

What exactly is Erin claiming to be that she is not?

For anyone who says that it is a moot point as to whether or not Erin did this herself, I completely disagree.

Why do you suspect that she might have done this herself?

I met with Erin and spent the afternoon with her. I believe I am a good judge of character and I feel as though she did NOT spray paint the hate message herself. This kind of graffiti happens ALL the time. This time, the homophobes picked the wrong girl.

I think it is also important to reiterate that Erin’s documentary, unlike her blog, is documenting OTHER people’s reaction to the the hate message on her bug. The documentary is not focusing on her but rather on the people who read and react to the message.

Eric- the truth is that it’s up to the police in Albany to decide who did this and if they can even prove the whomever did it. I doubt that person will ever come forward on their own accounts. I spent the afternoon with Erin, and my vibe is that she definitively did not do this, but that it was an incredibly good serendipity that it happened to such a brave and resourceful young woman. Most people naturally would have fixed their car and moved on with their lives. Erin chose to drive around the country and document people’s reactions to the car, which I think is great. I told her to get samples of her footage up on YouTube as soon as she gets home (or whenever she can) in order to continue the vital discussion the car has sparked.

It’s a natural reaction that people have to doubt the messenger, but It’s too bad most of the discussion here is mainly focusing on the integrity of Erin Davies instead of the strategies we can take to fight hatred and intolerance.

This episode has made my “Top 10″ list of best episodes ever.

I believe that Erin did have her car vandalized. She seems way too sincere and her story held up too well under scruitiny.

I think the guy on the phone call is much more involved in this than he wants to admit.

He is also a scary individual, so if she is successful at getting him to meet with her, meeting him with others present (think: bodyguards) is appropriate.

While I love the craziness that usually rules on the Feast, it is episodes like this that keep the show relevant to me.

Keep up the good work, guys.

Once again the gays are their own worst enemies

The mystery man had no logic, period.

For every person who expresses his or her self with graffiti, there will be the random putz with a spray can who decides to show the world just how stupid he or she is.

Bigots exist in Albany, and extreme liberals exist in the Southern states. Geography has no bearing on a person’s mindset.

Will Erin’s cross-country trip and documentary make any difference? Only time will tell.

I asked myself if I had the bravery to show respect for myself and our brothers and sisters, and I am stuck between standing up for myself and my safety. I commend her bravery.

Also, please feel free to keep the link to my blog up, as now I see that there are many others from Albany represented here in comments.
Thanks!

I’ve got a crush on Fausto.

I don’t care what we label her, nor if she manages to break even or advance her career. The simple brave act is what inspires me. She may not be a career “activist,” but there is some part of this project that IS an act of activism, and then there is, NO DOUBT, an act of filmmaking.

I’m reminded of a quote, maybe by the Buddha, that goes something like, “Setting a single foot upon the path makes you a traveller.” The idea here is that you may have not gone very far or accomplished anything, but the act of taking that first step makes you a traveller – the act may be imperfect, incomplete, or even unintentional, but it’s action.

She’s putting thought in motion and it’s causing others to put thoughts into motion and so on. I also think there is a big argument to be made that smaller grass-roots-level actions will do much more than large, grand, sweeping actions. A lot of our critics just write off NGLTF, ACLU, HRC, GLAAD, and Lambda Legal as large faceless organizations pushing a self-serving agenda. Poeple lose sight of the struggling individuals those organizations represent, but when there is a single struggling person standing in front of them it is much harder to dismiss them, and more often they are embraced through our common humanity.

Would you not agree that individuals coming out to their families and friends everywhere would do more for our cause than all the lobbyists in Washington? Isn’t coming out a form of activism in itself? Should that brave act ever be dismissed because there are also self-serving interests involved?

Is there not more progress in our cause at the state level than at the federal level? Are these not samller acts that move our whole cause forward? I’m not an “activist”, but I met with a representative of Governor Shwarzeneggar’s office to discuss gay rights legislation in our state. Was that not a form of activism? (It was scary for me.) For that hour, was I not an activist? I certainly have something to gain from it?

There are gay and lesbian couples everywhere having and adopting children. They are motivated by the desire to build a family, but is this not a revolutionary act that is changing our world? Will we not look back on a generation of non-”activists” that collectively performed a great act of activism?

I think you may just be reserving too much reverence for the title, “Activist.”

Fausto, thanks for your comments and the info., but I must say, I really resent the implication that our remarks, and specifically mine, come from jealousy or from our/my position of disenfranchisement. I am definitely NOT disenfranchised in any way, nor do I feel like a victim of anything. I am out at work, SUNY Press, here in Albany, and I am out to the Grad program I just got admitted to at U-Mass, Amherst. I am out to everyone, and I vote, and I’m active in the community through rallies, demonstrations and volunteering, but I do not call myself an activist. I am becoming a teacher to effect change; I am definitely, nor do I feel, powerless.

A dialogue on Erin’s campaign is exactly what I/us wanted, and it’s great to see. Dialogue is the kernel of change and in this situation, of trying to see beyond Erin’s myopic sticker campaign, and I am seeing that she herself has begun to change her tune and become more concrete since she’s begun to receive this criticism, so perhaps our “hatred and jealousy” of Erin is coming to some fruition.

Please know that those of us who have objected to Erin’s m.o. would want nothing more than to support her if we believed in her campaign, and I reserve the option of supporting her in the future if I start to see her change her objectives and goals.

Hey, I just want to say how happy I am to see some one out there standing up and raising awareness of this issue. I have been gay bashed, and I have had my car vandalized because I was gay.

I am just happy that is some one strong enough to stand up and make a difference and an impact like this.

The fight is not over! Don’t stop trying to get people aware of these issues.

I got involved with the martial arts to better prepare myself in case something like this happens to me again. I encourage all gay people to learn a martial art. Don’t think that because people react to this and don’t back down or cover it up that we are trying to get attention, we are fighting the fight you guys are not strong enough to fight yourselves. STOP BLAMING THE VICTIMS!

i agree with dynamike. i would much rather have erin promote a cause by making a documentary and actually bringing attention to it instead of whining about it on youtube. and even if it is “self-promotion” (which it isn’t) then so what? shes still bringing up a major issue that people have been sweeping under the rug by doing what she’s doing. i seriously doubt that if erin made a song called “fag bug car” (to the tune of chocolate rain) that it would have the same effect.

‘Vandelism to property’ construed as a movement worthy of documentation is quite unusual. If a therapeutic approach is required to overcome ‘the shock’ of receiving vandalism to property, she took it on the road to meet new people, travel to new places, and discuss a very singular topic that appears on first blush not to be rich in content. It’s original to say the least.

Personally, I believe that “fAg” or “U R gay” is beyond the point since most people are more sympathetic to vandelism of property than to the poor language utilized. She is not offended by the terms and she takes advantage of others that are sympathetic about the issues-at-hand.

I was most touched by the guy who wrote the note “it’s a shame that you made it up” and spoke about his personal interest in photography of graffitti art. Specifically, I think he was trying to point out the clear line between graffitti art to public areas versus vandelism to private property. His mistake was indicating that vandelism to property is “an isolated incident” (even if Albany, it’s hard to believe). But, I think his motives are the most interesting part of the discussion.

Vandelism to property is a concern; however, it’s hard to sympathize with the choices being made subsequent to the incident. Frankly, it’s the cost of vandelism to property that is worth discussion. In the end, Erin is no “Obey Campaign” which really created a true graffitti art movement worth documentation and discussion.

In his post, bowdownza brilliantly stated:

When you are gay and someone writes the word fag on your car er well if they did it to my car, the last thing I would be thinking about is vandalism to property.

*snip*

the choices Erin has made have nothing to do with vandalism to property but to the fact that she may no longer feel safe in her community and (I am projecting here) wants to let other people see what kind of attacks gay people have to put up with.

I completely agree. This has nothing to do with the car, the paint, whether or not it truly is graffiti, or whether or not it is a reflection of Albany in general. This has to do with one unbalanced and off-center individual seeking to harm somebody else, presumably to draw attention away from his/her own pain. This has been too many people’s life experiences, and it will continue to do so as long as we shoot the messenger, rather than help heal the problem.

It’s an interesting show… While I would make no judgement on the authenticity of Erin’s accounts of the events, however, I wonder whether authenticity and altruistic intentions are requirements of starting a good cause. Suppose Erin’s Fagbug was a complete fabrication of her own creation. Does that really make what she is trying to do in raising awareness and creating a movement any less significant? Is it not true, that hate crimes against LGBTQ persons are occurring on a regular basis, throughout the world? Is it not true, that cars have been spray painted in the past with messages of hate in response to the owner’s supposed sexual orientation?

Greatness of a person is really assigned by historians in reviewing the person’s specific actions and his/her responses to the events that follow. Columbus was assigned as the “great man” who discovered America — even though his intentions may be completely selfish and motivated by greed. Similarly, Christian missionaries may help the poor people in under developed countries, but their intent is to promote and spread their own religious beliefs. No one can know, other than Erin herself, what her true intentions are. I hope that the movement to raise awareness about hate crimes against LGBTQ persons does not get (and it should not be ) diluted by questions regarding her intentions and her motivations.

To Bowdownza:

What you see with Erin’s car and story is what you get. There is no evidence that Erin knows who vandelized her personal property or the motive behind the incident. It’s still a blank slate that she chooses to explore. Your “if it was me” position is beyond the point.

She is making choices subsequent to the incident about something that she knows she can immediately change. If generating awareness is what she wants to achieve, I think there is some provocative discussion as to what Hate Crimes are about which is a public good for society to determine.

Relative to the reported murder and assault on gay men, it’s hard for me to objectively define this car as a Hate Crime equivalent to those incidents. It’s hard pressed for me to believe that the gay community would want the greater straight community to believe that this outcome is something unique and different that “vandelism of personal property.”

Portraying this incident beyond that is both risky and divisive.

To npica- Just because you don’t support Erin’s campaign doesn’t mean you have to campaign against her. Sure, you have the right to do it, but is that being productive in any way? Could you, and the rest of the “down with FagBug” people maybe find something more useful to do with you time and effort? Perhaps start your own hate crime awareness campaign, one that you feel fits your definition of activism…and leave FagBug and Erin alone.

Npica,

I am really astounded at your indictment of all gay white men as misogynists! Shame on you. You have lowered yourself to the level of those you would indict. I’m personally offended as I have argued strenuously without stooping to those levels.

I really don’t think the construction of your arguments are holding up here. You are basically saying that since she doesn’t fight everything simultaneously, she shouldn’t be given credit for fighting anything? And that since activism is not her career choice, she should not act up?

I give money to several organizations because I doubt they are sharing the money with each other or directly supporting each other’s initiatives.

I think your real issues with Erin stem from personality differences and interpersonal/relationship conflicts that have arisen on the periphery of, or even before, Erin’s project. These conflicts have understandably colored your vision of her. For example, you think she may have violated the privacy of her ex-girlfriend, a good friend of yours, in her blog. I don’t read the blog, but I would see that as a valid issue for you and those close to the issue. The break-up happened, I’m sure there was a lot more involved, and you and yours feel your friend was the more honorable person in the process. Maybe you didn’t agree with all of Erin’s choices when the two were still together. These are reasonable criticisms that reasonable people would accept and they would certainly color your view of her future actions. If I got to know Erin, maybe I wouldn’t like the way the does some things as well. This could be said of anyone, imperfect as we are.

Regarding the project itself, I think most people are saying that they don’t really care that she is using it as a platform for the production of a documentary, that she is trying to sell merchandise to those ends, and trying to advance her career. Maybe Erin is on a journey to describing it more in that fashion which may be appropriate. I think most of the people here feel it doesn’t cheapen the kernel of the whole thing, pointing out that intolerance exists and she’s performing a brave act that shines a light on it.

I, as well, would agree that she shouldn’t accuse the note-guy of vandalising her car, but I think there is still something of value in her project.

I would simply disagree with you in not allowing her to call herself an activist. Filmmaker and possibly entrepreneur may be more central to her being, but this is an act of acti